By VERONIKA BARBOSA
TACLOBAN CITY—The Regional Trial Court Branch 45 is yet to decide on the two motions for reconsideration filed by the lawyers of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Church worker Marielle Domequil.
During today’s hearing, March 23, 2026, Regional Trial Court Branch 45 Judge Georgina Uy-Perez declared that the appeal on the court’s judgement convicting Cumpio and Domequil of terrorism financing as well as the appeal on the denial of bail plea are submitted for resolution.
Julian Oliva, one of legal counsels of Cumpio and Domequil, told the media that the “comments of the prosecution were filed out of time and went beyond the period given by the court” on both of the motions filed.
Oliva added that they reiterated the contents of the two motions they filed and debunked the prosecution’s arguments.
“The team as well as the families of Frenchie and Maye are hoping that the decisions will be made as soon as possible,” Oliva said.
In an interview, Kyle Domequil of Free Tacloban 5 Network, and sister of Marielle expressed her frustration over the prolonged detention of the two.
“I honestly feel disappointed. Why do they have to call for a hearing if a decision is yet to be made–they are just prolonging that agony of both Ate Maye and Ate Frenchie who are jailed for more than six years for crimes that they did not commit,” stresses Kyle.
Kyle also added that despite what she described as a “prolonged waiting game,” she and the families and friends of Frenchie and Marielle will continue to call for their immediate release. (RVO)
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